Where to stay in New York

New York Introduction

To travel in New York is to explore a city that's been immortalized in song, film, and literature. It's known all over the planet for its instantly recognizable landmarks, luxury hotels, world-class art and theater scenes, famous department stores, and record-breaking deals on Wall Street. The Big Apple's virtually limitless offerings are as diverse as the millions of people who walk its streets, and there's always something to see and do every day of the week, every hour of the day. It's truly the city that never sleeps.

Hotels in New York

Hotels in New York number in the hundreds, so you can be sure of finding one that fits your budget and needs. There are hotels that cater to business travelers, offering excellent meeting and convention facilities as well as state-of-the-art business centers. Luxury hotels in New York go above and beyond to give guests the VIP treatment, with services and amenities that may include personal butlers, private city tours, or guided activities, and perks such as bottles of wine or decadent chocolates in well-appointed rooms and suites. Free Wi-Fi and on-site restaurants are usually par for the course in most New York hotels.

Where to stay

As one of New York's busiest tourist hubs, Midtown Manhattan offers plenty of lodging choices. It's understandably popular among visitors because of its close proximity to attractions such as the glitz and glamor of Broadway, picturesque Central Park, and the innumerable stores and restaurants in Times Square. The performing arts dominate the laid-back vibe of Greenwich Village in Lower Manhattan's west side, where you'll find numerous off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theaters, as well as music and comedy clubs. The neighborhood of SoHo on the Lower East Side is famous not only for its cast-iron architecture, but also for intimate boutiques and delicious eats in Chinatown and Little Italy.

Things to see

Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is one of New York City's main points of interest. It's home to many world-renowned museums and fine arts establishments, including the massive Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Jewish Museum. Close by is sprawling Central Park, a popular destination among families. Feed penguins and sea lions at Central Park Zoo, go ice skating in wintertime and inline skating in the summer at Wollman Ice Rink, and admire the spectacular display of flowers in season at the Conservatory Garden. Many of New York's attractions can be found outside of Manhattan. Head to Coney Island in Brooklyn to ride a roller coaster, nibble on a hotdog on the boardwalk, or work on your tan on the public beaches. Or visit the Bronx to paddle down the Bronx River, the only freshwater river in New York City, then head to any of the borough's many ethnic restaurants to sample exotic cuisine.

How to get to New York

Two of the busiest airports in New York City are John F. Kennedy International Airport, where international visitors are most likely to pass through, and LaGuardia Airport, which usually services flights to and from within the United States. Newark Liberty International Airport in nearby New Jersey also serves the New York Metropolitan Area. Mass transit within New York City itself is comprehensive and efficient. Aside from the iconic yellow cabs, there's the extensive subway system, which operates 24 hours a day, stopping at stations sprinkled throughout boroughs that include Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. Public buses are also widely available. Water transport is enabled by ferry systems that service Manhattan and other locations within the city.